Jason Taylor will sign with New York Jets

Jason Taylor teases Jets fans as he leaves the field after the Dolphins defeated… (Robert Duyos, Sun Sentinel )

April 20, 2010|Mike Berardino, South Florida Sun-Sentinel

The once unthinkable has finally become reality.

According to multiple reports, legendary Miami Dolphins linebacker Jason Taylor has agreed to sign with the New York Jets.

An ESPN report had Taylor agreeing to a two-year deal for up to $13 million. He could earn up to $3.75 million, with incentives, in 2010, the report said.

Taylor, the NFL's active sacks leader and one of the greatest players in Dolphins history, wanted to remain in South Florida for a 13th season (out of 14 total) but the Dolphins preferred to wait until after the April 22-24 NFL Draft to make a decision. It's possible they will draft his replacement with the 12th overall pick.

Taylor, 35, earned $2.75 million, including incentives, from the Dolphins last season, when he tied for second on the team with seven sacks. He underwent shoulder surgery at the end of the season and also was plagued by nagging knee problems.

Tuesday's decision ends a nearly two-week period in which Taylor wrestled with his decision.

He was courted by the Jets in New York on April 7-8, and upon returning home was leaning heavily toward signing with the Jets at that point, as reported by the Sun Sentinel.

Only Taylor's extreme loyalty to the Dolphins and his family's preference for South Florida kept him adrift through the following week.

A planned secret meeting with Dolphins coach Tony Sparano was leaked to the press, and the Taylor camp was livid. Taylor and his family took a weekend vacation in Costa Rica and, upon returning Monday, came to the conclusion it would be unwise to wait until after this week's NFL Draft to pick a 2010 workplace.

The Jets, picking 29th overall, could have gone after a young linebacker just as easily as the Dolphins.